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I'm No. 7 in the last review!

The service, location, and ameneties are definitely 5 Star. Almost forgot . . and the food! There's not a day that has gone by since returning home that I don't flashback to the marvelous trip toThornybush Waterside Lodge. We saw the BIG 5 animals, plus 5 more for the BIG 10, etc. etc.Our ranger, Malcolm, was so knowledgeable about the animals and birds too! It was magical!

Stayed: December 2013, traveled with family

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Ask Lorrie M about Thornybush Waterside Lodge

2 Thank Lorrie M

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Our group of 7 ( ages 11-78) was at Thornybush Waterside for 3 nights in late December/ early January 2014. We loved our accomodations, the staff (especially Mr. T), the pool area, and our ranger and tracker. At first we had Malcolm and Herbert, and then since Herbert was promoted to ranger we had Hennie as our tracker. We loved the safaris and learned so much while having a ton of fun and laughs as well. We would definitely return to Thornybush Waterside. Our only regret is not having more days at the lodge! Our kids loved teatime before the afternoon safaris!

Stayed: January 2014, traveled with family

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Ask Lynn C about Thornybush Waterside Lodge

2 Thank Lynn C

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

My wife and I spent three nights at this remarkable lodge. Upon arrival we were welcomed by Tammin, the manager, and her team with welcome drink. Our chalet was large with a king size bed with the customary mosquito net. It had plenty of windows to let in natural light. In addition, there was a deck to relax and take in the beautiful scenery. Chalets overlooking the lake are the better choice.

The property is well maintained. The reserve includes a nice sized lake that animals would visit which could be seen from public areas. The facility has a nice library with fireplace, an outdoor bar and pool, Wi-Fi works in all public areas not just in a single reception area.

Initially, we had meals inside due to rain. When the rain finally stopped we got to enjoy our meals outside which was marvelous. Food was nicely prepared and flavorful. Garth was our personal butler; he did an outstanding job taking care of us at meals.

The most exciting experience at Waterside was going on game drives with ranger, Jordan and tracker, Richard. What an incredible duo. We got to see the Big 5 through their amazing efforts. Jordan very knowledgeable; he stopped often to tell us stories about animals and plants. Richard truly has fantastic eyes; he spotted small chameleons at night waving a spot light into the buses as Jordan drove along the bumpy roads.

Room Tip: Get a chalet with a lake view

Stayed: December 2013, traveled as a couple

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Ask Kcdavid100 about Thornybush Waterside Lodge

Thank Kcdavid100

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Malcom and Herbert (our Ranger and Tracker) were fantastic !!We enjoyed so much our safaris ; they found the "big five" and other animals.We had lots of fun, they were friendly and very professional, the best we could have !!!!Marisa Ruggero from Italy

Stayed: November 2013, traveled with friends

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Ask Marisa G about Thornybush Waterside Lodge

2 Thank Marisa G

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

We have been travelling around Kruger off and on for the last 7 years and Thornybush was by far the most amazing experience. From the moment we stepped out of our car my family and I were treated like royalty. We stayed for 4 nights, one being my youngest son's 3rd birthday for which they made a cake and sang to him, and also for Christmas eve. We came back to our beautiful room to find little gifts on our beds from management ! Very sweet, thankyou. The rooms were perfectly decorated with surrounding bush and resident animals wondering around. The food was delicious, dinner was served in a different location every night and our waiter, Surprise, was always helpful and curtious. Every need was catered for. The whole feel of the lodge was so peaceful we even managed to take naps some afternoons! We were assigned Ranger Ross to take us on game drives, who was just lovely and very enthusiastic about the wildlife. He even took our boys on a little wildlife 'bumble walk' which they were thrilled about. I absolutely recommend Thornybush waterside lodge, although a little pricey, it was worth every $. The boys were even given little snack bags as we checked out. Thankyou for such a fantastic experience.

Room Tip: All the rooms are pretty much the same, although there are a few that overlook a waterhole.

Stayed: December 2013, traveled with family

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Ask kimbaj about Thornybush Waterside Lodge

Thank kimbaj

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.